McQuay employee’s community efforts are acclaimed

A chartered accountant employed by McQuay has won an award for her dedicated voluntary work on a community project in Northumberland. Kathryn Nicholson is a senior accountant with this manufacturer of air-handling and air-conditioning equipment based in Cramlington. Her award for her dedication to The Hearth Centre project in the village of Horsley near Hadrian’s Wall came as £2000 in cash from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales — 2004 Everybody Counts. Acting as company secretary, she is one of a small group of volunteers trying to raise £235 000 for the renovation of local redundant buildings, including a 17th-century manse and church hall, for use by the community as a village hall, tea rooms, artists’ studios and exhibition space. ‘I first became involved two years ago on a casual basis when they needed some help with their business plan. Since last July, I have been spending around 20 hours a month of my spare time setting up and running the project company, as well as assisting with fund raising. It is hard work, but very rewarding,’ says Mrs Nicholson. She has personally obtained grants of around £90 000 from public and private sources, including the Countryside Agency.